easyJet, the UK’s largest low-cost airline, is celebrating its 30th anniversary in a unique way — by operating a route from London Luton Airport to Glasgow Airport (the first flight ever flown by easyJet 30 years ago), but this time, entirely staffed by pilots and cabin crew who are either 30 years old or are turning 30 this November.
30 Years of easyJet
The British low-cost airline was founded in 1995, with its inaugural flight from Luton to Glasgow taking place on 10 November of the same year. The flight taking place to mark easyJet’s 30th anniversary was operated alongside Captain Fred Rivett, a retired captain who operated the airline’s very first flight. The capitain shared his thoughts during the flight:
“It’s hard to believe it’s been three decades since my crew and I flew that very first flight from Luton to Glasgow. Back then, easyJet was a bold new idea and a complete disruptor to the industry, and to see how it has grown into the UK’s largest airline and helped millions travel across Europe and beyond is something I’m incredibly proud to have been part of.”
It is clear that easyJet, with its familiar fleet of orange planes operating short-haul flights across Europe and North Africa, has greatly changed the aviation industry, with its impact also shaping British outlooks on air travel, tourism and the world beyond the UK. According to a survey by easyJet, Over half (54%) of 18–35-year-olds remember flying on their first holiday abroad with easyJet. Furthermore, two-thirds of respondents (67%) say that more direct choice of more affordable flights from their local airports has allowed for spontaneous weekend trips, with nearly three-quarters (73%) saying local choice and convenience for flights has increased.
To 30 More Years
Kenton Jarvis, CEO of easyJet, celebrated the airline’s anniversary with the following comment:
“easyJet has made it possible for millions of people to travel easily and affordably, opening up new opportunities that once felt out of reach. The benefits of this are clear, not just in the economic impact this has had for the UK, but also in the lasting impact that the democratisation of travel has had for society, which we have been incredibly proud to contribute to over the last 30 years. Our special anniversary flight today, complete with our operating crew of all 30-year-olds, is a special nod to the three decades we’ve had in making this ‘generation easyJet’. Whether it’s a first trip abroad, a spontaneous weekend city break, a chance to reconnect with family and friends, or making that all important business meeting, easyJet has been there for some of life’s most important journeys and we’re excited about what the next 30 years will bring.”
Lisa Minot, an award-winning Travel Editor with four decades of experience, comments:
“easyJet’s influence on generations of travellers is astonishing. Challenging the dominance of legacy flag carriers, it proved low cost didn’t mean low demand and put affordable travel within the grasp of millions. It essentially invented the modern city break, turning spontaneous weekends from a distant dream to a regular reality. My kids have never known a time where the only option for exploring Europe was a long haul by train. For them it is easier to visit friends in Barcelona and girlfriends in Italy than it is to see pals right here in the UK. Low-cost air travel has given them opportunities and experiences that have enriched their lives.”
Today, easyJet is the largest UK airline and one of the largest airlines in Europe, flying more than 100 million passengers a year on over 1,000 routes across 35 countries. With a new base opening at Newcastle next year, the airline also continues to grow, creating jobs, choice and connectivity, while always aiming to make travel easy and affordable.
How has your travel experience been shaped by easyJet? Share your experiences in the comments below.
